Kuala lumpur: Malaysia is poised to introduce Graduate Plus visas for Bangladeshi students studying in the country, potentially enabling thousands to access high-skilled jobs in its expanding economy. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus brought up this initiative during a meeting with Malaysian Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the discussions were productive, and in principle, the Malaysian minister has agreed to issue Graduate Pass visas to Bangladeshi students. Law, Justice and Overseas Recruitment Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul mentioned that both sides need to complete certain formalities before the policy can take effect. Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain was also present during these discussions.
Currently, approximately 10,000 Bangladeshi students are enrolled in Malaysian universities. While students from other countries have access to Malaysia’s job market, Bangladeshi students have not enjoyed this privilege until now. Earlier, Malaysian Education Minister Fadhlina binti Sidek met with Prof Yunus in Kuala Lumpur to discuss enhancing educational cooperation, including expanding scholarships for Bangladeshi students.
Prof Yunus emphasized the importance of broadening student and faculty exchange programs, and Dhaka sought formal recognition of Bangladeshi degrees by Malaysian authorities and institutions. The Malaysian minister showed strong interest in Prof Yunus’s ‘Three Zero’ campaign, which aims to eliminate global poverty and unemployment and reduce carbon emissions.
Prof Yunus urged global leaders to work towards building a civilisation that is not self-destructive and invited the Malaysian education minister to visit Dhaka to further strengthen educational ties. Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi, and Senior Secretary on SDG Affairs Lamiya Morshed also attended the meeting.